Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Fast Glide

"Jordan Weal #40 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates with the puck as he is defended by John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals during the first period at Wells Fargo Center on March 18, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."

Being in the same building and arena can look the same after many visits - and it's easy to feel as if your images are not compelling or different enough because of the aforementioned.

Not every game is going to be high-scoring affair or feature big hits or moments. But that's indicative of life. Not everything is going to be grand or the polar opposite.

There is a norm to even day-to-day sports. No milestones. No championships. Just regular season hockey in this instance.

But one can push through feeling of repetitive imagery by pushing to be creative or trying something that's not typically seen in that sport.

With such a small, narrow hole to shoot from through the glass, and many advertisements on the boards, ice hockey isn't always a cleanest or easiest sport to photograph.

But a slight change of shutter speed can create something beautiful, eye catching and change the mood of everything even for just one night.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Pick Me Up

"Will Leviton #4 of the Rhode Island Rams is held up by teammates Michael Tertsea #55 (L) and Eric Dadika #15 after a point against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the first half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC."

One of the best things about March is basketball.

With March Madness taking over the sports news cycle every year, the stories always inspire great competition.

And while that starts on the court, to me the best visuals always come from the bench.

Players are always showing their support for their teammates which is uplifting in it self - a pick me up if you will. Their actions and celebrations are always over the top.

During the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament the end of the Rhode Island Rams bench was nothing short of entertainment.

With every three-pointer, block, turn-over and dunk, they lit up in jubilation with eccentric routines.

Sadly for all with eyes on them, they didn't win the over all tournament because I don't doubt it would have been even crazier had they taken home the title.

Friday, March 09, 2018

Midstickmen

"Leo Komarov #47 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals battle for the puck during the third period in the Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland."

Every once in a while an new opportunity within a fresh assignment occurs that helps make a different picture.

During the Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, a rare remote camera position was offered to us - this being the dasher camera.

This is a hole cutout along the bottom side of the boards. While few arenas have them, the outdoor rink is one that helps create this type of image.

While not anything ground breaking, what I did like about the above is that it incorporates lens flare from the stadium lighting. In addition, a cleaner background than a typical indoor venue.